There is also a feature in the Times today, but it’s behind a paywall, about the misinformation some healthcare charities give out, and the influence of the pharmaceutical industry – who have moved on from ‘educating’ doctors.

As a just over 60 years old I have been invited for Bowel cancer screening – it was immediately declined, I am a keen follower of Margaret’s thinking (and currently reading the book). I now understand that the test is not as good as expected and for some reason right hand side cancers are not detected as predicted – source BBC Radio 4, but of course there is a better more expensive test available.

If you listen to Classic FM there is now an advert on a loop – explaining in graphic detail how to tell your doctor that your bowel movements have changed – TIP don’t listen to Classic FM at meal times. Just followed a bus with a similar advert on the back. So perhaps the public is moving away from bowel cancer screening.

My neighbour does partake in the screening and admits to being worried for the three weeks that it takes for the results to come back. Sadly, the neighbour believes the screening results – a very reasonable approach for a lay person.

I am finding your book compulsive reading and am going to recommend it to several of my social circle, a number of whom are in the “worried-well” category and would be better off getting out for a walk or getting a hobby rather than going for more screening.

hello
glad you like it Avril. There is some evidence for bowel cancer screening, but like all screening comes with risk of harm with investigations that are not, in the end, necessary, (it’s in the book) what is missing is evidence of reduction in all cause mortality . James Penston is good on this , see herehttp://www.straightstatistics.org/article/bowel-cancer-screening-some-facts